Cartridge racking device for an automatic pistol

ABSTRACT

A cartridge racking device for an automatic pistol enables the user to grip the slide tightly, and rack the first round under difficult firing conditions. The device comprises a solid rectangular blister which is securely adhered to the side of the slide. One device is provided for each side of the slide. The device broadens the width of the slide and provides an easy-grip, high friction surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/006424, filed Jun. 2, 2014.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to firearms accessories, and in particular to a cartridge racking device for an automatic pistol. For users of automatic pistols, racking the first cartridge from a fresh clip into the firing chamber can be difficult, particularly if the tension springs are too tight. The slide mechanism is typically very slender, with a smooth surface, and it can be difficult to get a good grip. External firing conditions, such as a bit of rainwater or perspiration, can make racking the first round virtually impossible. Some users, for example female, elderly, disabled, or injured users may lack the hand strength to grip the slide tightly enough to rack the round. A simple and inexpensive device which enables all users to easily rack the first round under difficult firing conditions would be well received. A cartridge racking device, which broadens the width of the slide and provides an easy-grip, high friction surface, would resolve this problem.

U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US2014/0047753 to Grossman (hereinafter “Grossman”) teaches a bulky contoured grip for a semiautomatic handgun slide, which may be made of rigid metal and monolithically formed or mechanically attached to handgun slide, or may be made of a “rubberized material” that may be “adhered” to the lateral sides of the firearm over the existing serrations. Grossman at [0021]. Grossman refers to the invention being provided as a kit and being installed in a retrofit type operation. Id. Grossman fails to teach the use of repositionable adhesive with peel-and-stick backing as described in the present invention, which renders the installation “retrofit operation” of the present invention so simple that there is essentially no procedure associated with installation on a handgun. Further, the large contours taught by Grossman may interfere with ordinary gripping, aiming, and firing of the handgun; the present invention, by contrast, does not suffer from these drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a cartridge racking device for an automatic pistol. The device comprises a solid rectangular blister which is securely adhered to the side of the slide. One device is provided for each side of the slide. The device broadens the width of the slide and provides an easy-grip, high friction, non-contoured surface. This makes it easier for the user to grip the slide tightly, and rack the first round under difficult firing conditions.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the device 10.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the device 10, and the edges 11.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the device 10, and the adhesive backing 12.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment mounted on an automatic pistol, displaying the device 10, the pistol 13, the slide 14, and the ejection port 14A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a cartridge racking device 10 for an automatic pistol 13. The device 10 comprises a solid rectangular blister which is securely adhered to the side of the slide 14. One device 10 is provided for each side of the slide 14. The device 10 broadens the width of the slide 14 and provides an easy-grip, high friction surface. This makes it easier for the user to grip the slide 14 tightly, and rack the first round under difficult firing conditions.

It is to be understood that while the present invention is intended for use on the slide 14 of an automatic pistol 13, this is not intended as a limiting factor. With suitable modifications, the invention may be used on any mechanism wherein the operation of the mechanism may be improved or made easier by providing a more secure grip for the user's hand.

The invention is intended for installation as an after-market modification of the pistol 13 by the user. Alternate embodiments, intended for installation as original equipment by the manufacturer of the pistol 13, are contemplated.

The first exemplary embodiment provides a rectangular device 10 in the form of a solid, moderately compressible, blister, with rounded edges 11 and corners. The front surface may provide a textured easy-grip surface or a smooth yet high friction surface. As understood by the inventor, a textured grip surface may be preferable for frictional performance and a smooth surface may be preferable for receiving logos and other indicia. The rear surface provides a strong peel-and-stick adhesive 12, which enables the device 10 to be securely affixed, but easily and cleanly removed when desired. In particular the adhesive is preferably able to retain its adhesive properties even as the pistol heats up during use. The Applicant has observed that repositionable adhesive produced by 3M Corporation has the desired properties.

Two sizes are provided to fit any automatic pistol 13. The larger size is preferably 1.75 inches long and 0.75 inches tall. The smaller size is preferably 1.5 inches long and 0.5 inches tall.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user adheres one device 10 on each side of the slide 14 on an automatic pistol 13, using the peel-and-stick adhesive 12 which is provided on the rear surface of each device 10. Preferably, the device 10 is positioned on the rear half of the slide, behind the ejection port 14A. When racking the first round of a fresh clip, the user holds the handgrip of the pistol 13 securely in one hand, grasps the slide 13 around the two devices 10 with the other hand, pulls back on the slide 13 until a click is heard, and releases the slide 14, which springs forward to the firing position. The first round is now racked and ready to be fired.

The device is preferably manufactured from a firm and compressible, durable material, such as a closed cell foam material. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A racking device for a handgun slide comprising a blister; said blister being affixed to a handgun slide by an adhesive.
 2. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 1 wherein said adhesive is a peel-and-stick repositionable adhesive.
 3. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 1 wherein said blister is rectangular in shape.
 4. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 1 wherein said blister is made of a compressible material.
 5. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 1 wherein said blister lacks contours.
 6. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 1 wherein said blister has a smooth exterior surface.
 7. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 1 wherein said blister has a textured exterior surface.
 8. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 1 wherein indicia are applied to said blister.
 9. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 6 wherein indicia are applied to said blister.
 10. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 3 wherein said blister is about 1.75 inches long by about 0.75 inches tall.
 11. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 3 wherein said blister is about 1.5 inches long by about 0.5 inches tall.
 12. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 4 wherein said adhesive is a peel-and-stick repositionable adhesive.
 13. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 5 wherein said adhesive is a peel-and-stick repositionable adhesive.
 14. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 5 wherein said blister is made of a compressible material.
 15. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 14 wherein said blister is made of a compressible material.
 16. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 3 wherein said adhesive is a peel-and-stick repositionable adhesive, and wherein said blister lacks contours.
 17. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 6 wherein said adhesive is a peel-and-stick repositionable adhesive, and wherein said blister lacks contours.
 18. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 7 wherein said adhesive is a peel-and-stick repositionable adhesive, and wherein said blister lacks contours.
 19. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 8 wherein said adhesive is a peel-and-stick repositionable adhesive, and wherein said blister lacks contours.
 20. The racking device for a handgun slide of claim 9 wherein said adhesive is a peel-and-stick repositionable adhesive, and wherein said blister lacks contours. 